Archimedes' screw

or Archimedean screw

noun

1. a device consisting essentially of a spiral passage within an inclined cylinder for raising water to a height when rotated.

Archimedes' screw

/ ˌɑːkɪˈmiːdɪən, -mɪˈdiːən /

noun

1. an ancient type of water-lifting device making use of a spiral passage in an inclined cylinder. The water is raised when the spiral is rotated

Word History and Origins

Origin of Archimedes' screw¹

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

The Greeks gave us so many wonderful old concepts — Archimedes’ screw, the Olympic Games, democracy — that I figured a new Greek concept could be a real game-changer.

From Washington Post

Balls ride up Archimedes’ screw, roll across an aerial track, race through a table top maze and bounce across the inside of a piano, hitting notes as they strike the wires.

From Forbes

A giant Archimedes screw has been lowered into place as part of a Lancashire community project to generate power.

From BBC

Archimedes’ screw systems have already been implemented throughout the UK, as pictured, and Europe.

From Forbes

Now, the development process is underway as the company begins to woo potential customers with the Archimedes screw system and coordinates construction to dams’ specific needs.

From Forbes